LG Flatron W2252TQ 22in LCD

Score

Sections

Key Features

Review Price: £186.51

The technology industry is no different from any other in that, despite all the modularity and interchangeability, it is subject to trends and categories. One of the areas that has become most entrenched is the budget 22in LCD monitor. It is surprising how many things most budget 22 inchers have in common: almost all feature a chassis with the stand attached and a circular base and many sport a glossy black finish. They have HDCP-enabled DVI and analogue VGA, use TN panels, run at a resolution of 1,680 x 1,050, and feature more often than not a 2ms response time. Annoyingly, they rarely offer any adjustability apart from tilt and when you have just bought a shiny new monitor, the last thing you want is to have to use telephone directories for height adjustment.

The LG Flatron W2252TQ distinguishes itself with one jaw-dropping specification: a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. And no, I didn’t accidentally add a zero. In fact, we wrote a news story announcing the W2252TQ’s imminent arrival not long ago. Apart from the supposedly stunning contrast though, initial impressions suggest it conforms to the aforementioned rules of thumb – so let’s see if that makes it good enough to stand out from the crowd.

The monitor comes with both DVI and VGA cables, in addition to a cleaning cloth. Assembly is really easy: just click in the base, and after routing the cables (two maximum) through the provided clips at the back, attach the small backplate. It’s not particularly elegant, but it works. Build quality is generally good, though the base does not feel as solid as most. I could rant on about the lack of adjustability, but there’s really no point as long as consumers will buy products based purely on looks.

In terms of design, the LG Flatron actually appears more similar to the recently reviewed Samsung SyncMaster 226cw than other LG monitors we’ve looked at. But that’s not a bad thing, since the 226cw was an eye-catching screen. Around the corners the bezel is curved, while the bottom segment widens downward at the centre to match a silver accent.

The power button is a chromed, curved line, which works well with the rest of the design, and is lit below by a blue LED. Though the effect is quite subtle, some of you will still be glad to know there’s an option to disable it altogether. Overall this LG is not the most attractive display I’ve come across, but it shouldn’t be ashamed of its appearance either.